Latest news with #Authority
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
ITU innovation award winner Dubai Culture celebrates palm and piano
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been honoured with the 'Innovate for Impact' award in the Smart Home/Cities category at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations' specialised agency for digital technologies. The award recognises the Authority's pioneering efforts in applying artificial intelligence to cultural heritage preservation through the project 'AI-Enhanced Detection and Prediction at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.' Developed in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the project harnesses remote sensing technology, AI Applications and Geophysical Survey technology such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic surveys and high-precision mapping, to explore one of the region's most significant Iron Age sites. The research has led to the identification of over 2,500 anomalies that indicate the possibility of the presence of artifacts and features of archaeological significance. 'Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage,' said Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture. 'By applying AI and other non-invasive methods, we not only safeguard the past but also strengthen Dubai's cultural voice on the international stage.' Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that 'this recognition is a reflection of our belief that heritage and innovation are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary forces. Projects like Saruq Al-Hadid allow us to lead regionally and globally in redefining cultural heritage preservation.' The collaboration with Khalifa University was instrumental to the success of the project, as the university is the original developer of the cutting-edge non-invasive surveying technology used in the study. Dubai Culture hosts a Piano Camp. Dubai Culture has also announced the second edition of its Summer Blessings event, July 25-27, as part of the Dubai Destinations summer campaign. The event aims to honour the palm harvest season and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the palm tree as a national symbol and an integral part of local tradition. The initiative aligns with the Authority's priority to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage and to elevate its presence on the global cultural map. Hosted at Al Shindagha Museum, the largest heritage museum in the UAE, the programme will feature a variety of interactive workshops and culinary experiences, led by heritage experts. At the Traditional Food House, visitors can join a workshop on preparing 'Betheetha' - a traditional Emirati sweet made from dates, flour, and aromatic spices. Meanwhile, at the Dates Tasting Corner, guests will explore local date varieties and their use in preparing traditional Emirati dishes. They will also discover the secrets of making date syrup 'dibs' and methods for preserving it. In the Life on Land: Water, Flora and Fauna, visitors will enjoy a screening of the documentary 'Palm Harvest', which captures the communal traditions of date picking and the values of generosity and cultural legacy embedded in the practice. Simultaneously, the Turath Centre for Traditional Handicrafts, which is the educational arm of Al Shindagha Museum, will offer training on creating modern items using 'khoos.' In the Children's Pavilion, youngsters can take part in a 'Palm Frond Painting' workshop, where they will learn to create keepsakes using palm leaves. Al Shindagha Museum. In addition, Dubai Culture has allocated a dedicated space within the Visitors' Centre for a Palm Handicraft Market, showcasing a curated selection of handmade items crafted from different parts of the palm tree. The market will also feature the creative works of local artisans, entrepreneurs,and talented individuals, offering them a platform to showcase their crafts to the wider community. The Visitors' Centre will also serve as a gathering space for families to participate in the Sefafah Workshop, where they can be taught the traditional techniques of palm weaving, deepening their connection to the cultural practice. Remarking on the initiative, Abdallah Al Obeidli, Acting Manager of Al Shindagha Museum at Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of the Summer Blessings event in strengthening the bond between future generations and the palm tree, the date harvest season, and associated traditional crafts. 'The palm tree symbolises the generosity and giving spirit of the Emirati people,' he said. 'For decades, it played a vital economic role for the people of the UAE and gave rise to many of the traditional crafts that inspired Dubai's cultural and creative industries.' He further noted that the event contributes to promoting cultural tourism. Dubai Culture has meanwhile announced the launch of the second edition of Piano Camp, held in partnership with House of Pianos. The programme aims to identify promising young musicians and offer dedicated piano instruction. The Piano Camp is part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, a key initiative under the emirate's Quality of Life Strategy. It will run from October 2025 to May 2026, selecting 50 children and teens aged 6 to 17, as well as 10 young adults aged 18 and above. Participants will study both classical and Arabic piano repertoire, building a foundation in music theory and history. The camp features hands-on sessions and masterclasses led by acclaimed local teachers and musicians. The programme includes field trips to leading institutions across the UAE, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and helping forge connections within the cultural community. Dubai Culture invites Emirati musicians to apply. Registration opens August 1 and applications close on September 15.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Almost A Third Of NZ Households Face Energy Hardship – Reform Has To Go Beyond Cheaper Off-Peak Power
The spotlight is again on New Zealand's energy sector, with a group of industry bodies and independent retailers pushing for a market overhaul, saying the sector was 'broken' and 'driving up the cost of living'. The Commerce Commission and the Electricity Authority has already established a joint task force, after prices peaked in 2024, to investigate ways to improve the performance of the electricity market. The Authority recently announced new rules requiring larger electricity retailers to offer lower off-peak power prices from next year. The government is also expected to make further announcements on the sector. But the question is whether these changes will do enough to help New Zealanders live affordably in dry and warm homes. Some 30% of households face energy hardship. This means they struggle to afford or access sufficient energy to meet their daily needs. Caused by a combination of poor housing quality, high energy costs and the specific needs of vulnerable residents, energy hardship can lead to serious health issues and high hospital admission costs. We know from our own research over the past 18 years that having power disconnected can negatively affect health and wellbeing. People have told us that not being able to afford enough power to keep warm made them more likely to get sick and exacerbated existing health conditions. They described mental distress from unaffordable electricity and the threat of disconnection. Research participants used words such as 'stressed', 'anxious' or 'depressed'. They also spoke about having to choose between food and power bills. If power is disconnected, there can be additional costs from losing food in the fridge and freezer, as well as the problem of paying disconnection and reconnection fees when people already can't afford the bill. What's driving up power bills? In 2024, a 'dry year' that increased the value of hydro generation, combined with lower-than-usual wind and declining supply of gas, resulted in wholesale electricity price spikes. But these winter shortages aren't the only factor pushing up power bills. Electricity bills reflect several costs along the supply chain from generation to getting the electricity to the sockets in our homes. A new regulatory period for lines charges from April 2025 increased bills by $10 to $25 per month, depending on where you live. At the same time, low fixed daily charges are being phased out. This means the cost of being connected to the grid is the same no matter how much power is used. It is the poorest New Zealanders who are being hardest hit. The lowest income households spend a bigger proportion of their income on power compared to higher income households. Having electricity prices increase faster than inflation will put even more families at risk. The average household electricity bill was up 8.7% in May 2025 compared to June 2024. According to a recent Consumer NZ survey, 20% of respondents said they struggled to pay their power bill in the past year. Tackling hardship The new Consumer Care Obligations might help reduce some of the risks. Power companies must now comply with these obligations when working with households struggling to pay their bills, are facing disconnection or have someone in the home who is medically dependent on electricity. If households feel their power company is not meeting these obligations, they can contact Utilities Disputes, a free independent electricity and gas complaint resolution service, or the Electricity Authority. But multiple changes are needed to address the different parts of the energy hardship problem. Improving home energy efficiency through schemes like Warmer Kiwi Homes is crucial. Introducing an Energy Performance Rating for houses would make it easier for home buyers and renters to know how much it will cost to power a home before they move in. This would also help target energy hardship support. The government can also make electricity more affordable by supporting not-for-profit power companies. Another good move would be to help more households to install rooftop solar by providing access to long-term low-interest finance. Lower prices during off-peak hours are a good start. But it is clear the sheer size and complexity of the problems mean government action, with community and industry collaboration, needs to go beyond slightly cheaper electricity when there is less demand. Disclosure statement Kimberley O'Sullivan receives funding from a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship administered by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, the Health Research Council, the Ministry of Business, Employment, and Innovation, and Lotteries Health Research.
Observer
20 hours ago
- Observer
CDAA intensifies inspections at Khareef tourism sites
Salalah - The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has intensified its field efforts in Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef 2025 to enhance safety measures as the season is witnessing a growing influx of visitors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. CDAA has strengthened its field presence by deploying specialized teams to a number of tourist and natural sites, such as valleys, beaches, mountainous areas, and waterfalls. This is aimed at ensuring a rapid response to any emergency, securing sites, and providing rescue and ambulance services, ensuring everyone's safety, and enhancing the sense of security and reassurance among visitors and residents. The Authority also continues its awareness-raising efforts through its advisory and awareness programs targeting visitors and the local community, to educate them about potential hazards in natural sites, emphasizing the importance of adhering to public safety guidelines and avoiding dangerous behaviors that could put lives at risk. The Authority stresses the importance of visitors adhering to safety measures, avoiding approaching dangerous areas, such as valleys, during weather fluctuations, and refraining from risking crossings or camping in unsafe areas, to ensure their safety and that of their families. It also emphasizes the need to cooperate with field teams and follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities, ensuring everyone has a safe and stable time during the Dhofar Khareef season 2025. These include civil protection teams responsible for inspections and ensuring that tourist facilities and establishments comply with safety and risk prevention requirements; ambulance teams specializing in providing emergency medical care at accident sites and ensuring the rapid transfer of injured persons to healthcare facilities; water rescue teams that secure beaches and marine sites and respond immediately to drowning incidents; and mountain rescue teams that conduct search and rescue operations in mountainous areas and difficult terrain to ensure rapid access to stranded and injured persons. These teams operate according to established plans aimed at protecting lives and preserving property, in line with the Authority's aspirations to provide its services with high efficiency and professionalism.
Fintech News ME
a day ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Israel Grants Payment Licenses to Revolut, Rapyd, Mesh Payments, and Airwallex
The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) has granted payment institution licenses to four international fintech firms: Revolut, Rapyd, Mesh Payments, and Airwallex. These licenses enable the firms to operate in Israel under regulated conditions. According to Calcalist, the licenses authorise the companies to provide services including money transfers, foreign currency exchange, digital wallet operations, and interest-bearing accounts. All services will be supervised by the Securities Authority, headed by Inbal Polk, Director of Investment Management. The decision aligns with the Authority's broader strategy to promote competition in Israel's financial services sector. While these companies currently have a limited presence in the country, the new licenses are intended to support expansion and offer alternatives to services provided by domestic banks. 'It was important for us to allow them to offer interest despite opposition from the Bank of Israel,' said Seffy Zinger, Chair of the Israel Securities Authority. 'We felt it was the right step, because for payment companies to effectively compete with the banking system, they must not be restricted. They need to provide the broadest possible service. In the future, we would also like to see companies successfully integrate securities trading.' License holders are subject to regulatory obligations, including the segregation of customer funds from company assets, compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules, and adherence to consumer protection laws. These laws require transparency in payment contracts, clear disclosure of terms, and safeguards against misleading practices. According to Polk, the firms are expected to focus on underserved segments, such as digital financial management tools for children and more affordable cross-border transactions. The Authority also indicated that the licensing framework could be extended to non-fintech platforms in future, enabling wider provision of financial services to Israeli consumers.
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Dubai Eye
Over 32,000 arrested for violating UAE residency laws
The UAE arrested over 32,000 people who violated residence laws in the first six months of 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security said on Tuesday. His Excellency Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, said that the Authority's inspection campaign, called "Towards a Safer Society," aims to reduce violations and provide a "decent life for residents and visitors of the country by providing them with opportunities to live and work in accordance with the law." Al Khaili stressed that the inspection campaigns reflect the Authority's determination to spread and consolidate a culture of compliance with the law among members of society, and to eradicate the phenomenon of violators by taking the necessary legal measures against them and providing them with the opportunity to rectify their status or be deported, thus supporting community security and preserving its stability. He pointed out that legal measures were taken against the violators who were caught, with approximately 70 per cent of them being deported after completing the legal procedures approved against them. A number of those caught were also detained pending their transfer to the competent authorities to implement the law regarding them. His Excellency Major General Suhail Al Khaili stressed that the Authority is continuing its inspection campaigns against violators nationwide, noting that specialised teams are working continuously to apprehend violators. He affirmed that the Authority will "not be lenient" in taking the necessary legal measures against those who violate the law on the entry and residence of foreigners, as well as those who shelter or employ them. He noted that the law regulating the entry and residence of foreigners in the country imposes strict penalties and fines on violators and those who employ or shelter them in violation of the law. The Authority's Director General urged all segments of society in the UAE to abide by the provisions of the Law on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners in the UAE, and to refrain from employing violators, in implementation of the law's provisions and to contribute to protecting the security of society.
